how to cook bacon wrapped jalapenos from kroger

How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos From Kroger A Step-By-Step Guide

Bacon wrapped jalapenos are the ultimate party appetizer! These spicy, cheesy bites are loaded with flavor and super fun to eat. The crispy salty bacon pairs perfectly with the fresh spice of the jalapeno. And when you top it off with gooey cream cheese – you have an irresistible pop of flavors in every single bite!

The best part is that making these tasty morsels at home is quick and easy. And you can find all the ingredients you need right at your local Kroger store. In this in-depth guide, we will walk through every step to make bacon wrapped jalapenos, from start to finish. Whether you are prepping for a big game day party or just want an appetizer to snack on, this recipe has you covered. So let’s get cooking!

Why Make Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos?

There are so many reasons to love bacon wrapped jalapenos:

• They are incredibly flavorful. The hot pepper, savory bacon, and cool cream cheese make for an explosion of tastes in your mouth.

• Bacon wrapped anything is always a crowd pleaser. The crispy, salty, smoky baconflavor amps up any dish.

• These are the ultimate party appetizer. They are tasty, easy to eat, and can be made ahead of time.

• You can customize them to fit your tastes. Make them spicier with extra jalapenos or cooler with more cream cheese.

• Cooking them yourself is quick, easy and affordable. Buying pre-made versions can get pricey.

• Your guests will be impressed. Bacon wrapped jalapenos always look so fancy and appetizing when served.

• Kids and adults love them! This appetizer appeals to all ages.

So if you are looking for an easy and delicious app to serve at your next gathering, these bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are sure to satisfy. Let’s go over the simple steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need From Kroger

One of the best parts of this recipe is that it only takes a few simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local Kroger supermarket. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh jalapenos – Look for smooth, firm jalapenos in the produce section. Medium spicy works great but you can adjust the heat to your tastes.

• Bacon – Go for high-quality, thick sliced bacon from the meat department. You want it to get crispy when cooked.

• Cream cheese – Grab a block of regular full-fat cream cheese from the dairy section.

• Toothpicks – These make for easy serving once the jalapenos are cooked and cooled.

That’s it! Now let’s go over the super simple prep and cooking steps.

Prep Steps For Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos

Here’s how to get your jalapeno poppers prepped for cooking:

• Wash the jalapenos under cold running water and pat dry.

• Slice the jalapenos lengthwise down the middle using a small sharp knife.

• Carefully cut or scrape out the seeds and white membranes. Caution: wear gloves and avoid touching eyes or skin after handling jalapenos until hands are washed.

• Fill each jalapeno half with cream cheese. Don’t overfill. Just a tablespoon or two.

• Cut the bacon strips in half.

• Wrap each jalapeno half in a bacon strip and secure with a toothpick through the bacon seam.

• Refrigerate for 30 minutes which helps the bacon adhere to the jalapeno.

That’s all the prep work! Now we are ready to cook.

How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos

Cooking your stuffed bacon wrapped jalapenos is quick and easy:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

• Place jalapenos on prepared baking sheet, seam side down.

• Bake for 18-22 minutes until bacon is sizzling and lightly crispy.

• Use tongs to flip jalapenos over halfway during cooking time. This helps the bacon cook evenly.

• Let cool for 5 minutes then carefully remove toothpicks.

Be sure to keep an eye on them as they bake. Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your bacon. You want the bacon crisp but not burnt.

And that’s it – your bacon wrapped jalapenos are ready to serve and enjoy!

Serving Ideas

Now it’s time to impress your guests with these mouthwatering appetizers. Here are some serving ideas:

• Arrange jalapenos on a platter with a dipping sauce like ranch or guacamole in the center.

• Set out smaller plates for individual portions. Allow 3-4 jalapenos per person.

• Offer plastic cups filled with cold drinks like beer or soda to help tame the spicy heat.

• For a meal, add sides like veggies, chips, or pasta salad.

• Add a cooler, creamy dip like Greek yogurt ranch to balance the spice.

• For an appetizer buffet, provide plates and toothpicks for easy grabbing and eating.

• Slice any extra jalapenos and add to nachos, tacos, pizza and more for a spicy kick.

No matter how you serve them, your bacon wrapped jalapenos are sure to be a huge hit!

Tips For Making Perfect Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos

Looking to take your jalapeno poppers to the next level? Use these pro tips:

• For less mess, use a jalapeno corer tool to easily core and seed jalapenos. No knife needed.

• Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese with the cream cheese for extra flavor.

• For spicy cream cheese, blend in your favorite hot sauce or salsa.

• Wrap just the tip of the jalapeno in bacon to make them easier to eat.

• Cut slits in the jalapeno for better cream cheese adhesion before wrapping in bacon.

• Brush with maple syrup and sprinkle brown sugar on bacon before cooking for sweet heat.

• Fry the jalapenos in oil instead of baking for extra crispy bacon.

• Substitute the cream cheese for goat cheese, feta, or shredded chicken for different flavors.

• Add minced garlic to the cream cheese filling for a zesty kick.

Get creative with different fillings, extra spices, cheese blends, and cooking methods. The flavor options are endless!

FAQs

If you are new to making these popular appetizers, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How spicy are bacon wrapped jalapenos?

This depends on the jalapenos you use. Bell peppers have no spice if you want a milder version. For medium heat, go for standard jalapenos. For extra kick, use spicier varieties like habaneros.

Should I use thick or